While the technical kick-off the the 2008 NFL season began on Thursday, the de facto start begins in a couple hours.  There are plenty of things everyone will be watching.   This is what I'll be watching in addition to hoping for Week One validation of all my draft picks.

Detroit at Atlanta 1:00 PM

Players to Watch:  WR Calvin Johnson & RB Kevin Smith, WR Roddy White & RB Michael Turner

Seattle at Buffalo 1:00 PM

Seattle: Nate Burleson & RBs Buffalo: RB Marshawn Lynch

Jacksonville at Tennessee 1:00 PM

Jacksonville: QB Dave Garrard Tennessee: RBs LenDale White & Chris Johnson

NY Jets at Miami 1:00 PM

NY Jets: QB Brett Favre Miami: RBs Ricky Williams & Ronnie Brown & WRs

Kansas City at New England 1:00 PM

QB Tom Brady & Offense Play Selection:  In addition to the health of Brady's foot which can ruin the seasons of the two teams that drafted him and Randy Moss in the first round, I am curious to see how Bill Belacheck and his staff change their game plans.  Is there any reason to believe the Pats will run more now?

Tampa Bay at New Orleans 1:00 PM

Tampa Bay: RB Warrick Dunn  New Orleans: Saints Passing

St. Louis at Philadelphia 1:00 PM

St. Louis: RB Steven Jackson Philadelphia: WRs

Houston at Pittsburgh 1:00 PM

RBs for both teams

Cincinnati at Baltimore 1:00 PM

Cincinnati: RB Chris Perry Baltimore: QB Joe Flacco

Carolina at San Diego 4:15 PM

Carolina: RBBC San Diego:  LaDanian Tomlinson's knee & WRs,

Arizona at San Francisco 4:15 PM

Arizona: QB Kurt Warner San Francisco: QB JT O'Sullivan and WRs

Dallas at Cleveland 4:15 PM

Dallas: RB Marion Barber Cleveland: Passing game

Chicago at Indianapolis 8:15 PM 

Chicago: All the Bears' skills players Indianapolis: WR Marvin Harrison

MON, SEP 8

Minnesota at Green Bay 7:00 PM

Minnesota: Adrian Peterson Green Bay: Aaron Rodgers

Denver at Oakland 10:15 PM

Denver: Selvin Young/Andre Hall Oakland: Darren McFadden